Mumbai,In the aftermath of India’s heart-wrenching World Cup final defeat to Australia, Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has opted not to continue in his role. Reliable sources within the BCCI have confirmed that Dravid, whose two-year contract concluded with the World Cup, conveyed his decision to step down.
VVS Laxman, currently overseeing a second-string Indian team, is poised to step into the role of head coach, succeeding his close friend Dravid. Laxman, also the head of the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, had expressed his interest in the position and is likely to sign a long-term contract. His first assignment is anticipated to be the upcoming tour of South Africa, scheduled for December 10.
Dravid’s coaching tenure, starting in November 2021, witnessed a mix of triumphs and challenges. The team achieved success in the Asia Cup, triumphed in home Test series against Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand, and secured victories in T20I series against Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. However, setbacks included losses in the T20 World Cup semifinals in Australia, Test and ODI series in South Africa, and the decisive fifth Test in England.
As Dravid steps down, the BCCI faces decisions on the continuity of the support staff, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip. The transition marks the end of an impactful era under Dravid’s guidance, leaving cricket enthusiasts eager to witness the direction Laxman will steer the team.
